With the holidays approaching, many people are looking for ways to give and show their appreciation. But giving gifts in a professional context can be a difficult endeavor. Writing for the Harvard Business Review, Rebecca Zucker, an executive coach and founding partner at Next Step Partners, offers eight tips for giving holiday gifts at work.

1. Be aware of any regulations or policies on gift giving in your workplace

Although the act of gift giving is "intended to be a simple gesture grounded in generosity and appreciation," many industries, including financial services and health care, have strict gift giving policies to prevent bribery and potential conflicts of interest, Zucker writes.

According to Richard Bistrong, CEO of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, people who work in fields where gift giving is sensitive should check with their compliance leader and company code of conduct before offering a gift. And regardless of your field, Bistrong recommends checking with your company first before sending any kind of international gift.

"What might seem innocent to the gift giver could be perceived as trying to inappropriately influence a decision maker by the regulators, regardless if that person is a public official or commercial employee," he said.

2. Don't break the bank

Don't spend too much money on your gift since some people may feel uncomfortable about receiving a "lavish" gift, Zucker writes.

"Going overly extravagant on a gift can make someone feel uncomfortable, especially if it is obvious that they didn't put the same amount of extravagance into what they gave you," said Lindsay Roberts Schey, a gift-giving expert from TheGiftInsider.com.

For co-workers, Schey said that $25 is usually the average price for a holiday gift, but it can go up to $50. If you're in a large office and getting gifts for several people, $15 to $25 is appropriate. Schey also added, "Never try to out-do your boss. Spend less than they do."

3. Personalize your gift

According to Zucker, making a donation to a charity a colleague supports in their name is one way to personalize a gift. You can also gift something to your co-worker's outside interests, such as a personalized notebook if they like to journal or a gift card to a coffee shop they enjoy.

However, "be sure to stay away from any gifts that are too personal, as some risk being too intimate," Zucker writes. Some gifts to avoid include jewelry or clothing.

4. Offer an experience

Studies have found that people who receive an experiential gift often feel closer and more connected to the giver. Some options include tickets to the movies or a gift card to a restaurant.

For those who manage a team, organizing a group outing, such as a holiday meal or an activity, can be another gift option. However, Zucker notes that "[w]hile you'll want to be inclusive in whatever activity you organize, it should be optional to participate, so no one feels pressured to attend."

5. Have fun with your gifts—but don't be offensive

"A whimsical but useful gift can be both fun and funny," Zucker writes, allowing "us to laugh at ourselves while giving us something we'll actually use."

However, you should avoid giving gifts that others could perceive as "too edgy, crass, vulgar, or offensive in any way" since you run the risk of making someone else uncomfortable or violating a boundary.

"Save the gag gifts for friends and family," Schey said.

6. Be careful when gifting food or alcohol

"[U]nless you know that the recipient consumes the specific items you're sending," giving perishable items like alcohol or food "can be a bit of a minefield if the recipient has dietary restrictions, problems with alcohol addiction, or religious constraints," Zucker writes.

"Do a little digging before you gift food items," Schey advised. "If you are unsure, try something prepackaged. If it's not for them, they can share with family and friends." And when in doubt, you can also just ask the person directly about their preferences, or give them a gift card so they can choose what would work best for them.

7. Help people learn something new

"We all love to learn and grow," Zucker writes. To share knowledge with your colleagues, consider giving them a business magazine subscription or a gift card to a bookstore. You could also buy them a book on a specific topic, such as biography, business, or history, or an author they're interested in.

8. Let people know how much you appreciate them

Instead of giving a material gift, a hand-written note of appreciation can show your colleagues how much you value them.

"One of the most meaningful gifts you can give another colleague is a handwritten note letting them know you appreciate them," said Christopher Littlefield, an expert in employee appreciation and the founder of Beyond Thank You. "This is an opportunity to let the person feel acknowledged and highlight what you enjoy most about working with them."

Ultimately, "[y]ou don't need to spend money or give a material gift to give something thoughtful and bring a smile to your colleague's face," Zucker writes. (Zucker, Harvard Business Review, 12/15)